

Ready For Retirement
James Conole, CFP®
Ready For Retirement is the podcast dedicated to helping you learn the tips and strategies that will help you achieve your retirement goals. When it comes to retirement planning, it can quickly become overwhelming and easy to not take action. I designed this podcast because I want you to have the knowledge and confidence to create your secure retirement. My ultimate goal for all of my clients (and listeners) is to create peace of mind and that starts with having a strategy. I want you to spend more time thinking about what matters most to you in retirement. I post weekly episodes to keep you up-to-date on all the best tips and strategies to create a retirement that excites you. Everything from investing tips, tax planning, withdrawal strategies, insurance planning, Social Security, and that's just the start! Let's help you maximize your return on life. We use your money and the strategies I share in this podcast to do just that!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 16, 2021 • 23min
How to Use Roth Conversions to Save Huge Amounts in Taxes
Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about how to use Roth Conversions to save huge amounts in taxes over time.Questions answered: When should I do a Roth Conversion? When is the best time to invest for retirement? What are the benefits of Roth Conversions and when is it best to do them? What is the best approach for my individual situation? Are you ready to start focusing on the things that truly matter when it comes to your financial future?LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayHave a question you want answered on a future episode? Submit it hereCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!

Mar 9, 2021 • 22min
Can Capital Gains Push Me Into a Higher Tax Bracket?
Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about understanding if capital gains can cause you to move into a higher tax bracket.Questions to ask ourselves: Are there different tax brackets for Ordinary Income v. Capital Gains? When does it make most sense to realize Capital Gains? How should I be approaching tax planning as I near retirement? How should I be approaching tax planning if I’m already retired? How can I minimize my tax bill with proper tax planning, both for today and the future?Are you ready to start focusing on the things that truly matter when it comes to your financial future?Reference Sheet: 2021 Important Numbers Tax SheetAre you ready to start focusing on the things that truly matter when it comes to your financial future?LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayHave a question you want answered on a future episode? Submit it hereCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!

Mar 2, 2021 • 16min
Should I Invest a Lump Sum All at Once or Over Time?
Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about whether or not you should invest all at once (lump-sum) or invest smaller amounts over a longer period of time (dollar-cost averaging).Questions answered: Should I invest when the market is at all-time highs? When is the best time to invest? What is the best approach for my individual situation? Should I gradually invest to decrease risk? Are you ready to start focusing on the things that truly matter when it comes to your financial future?LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayHave a question you want answered on a future episode? Submit it hereCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!

Feb 23, 2021 • 16min
What You Need to Know Before Coming Into a Large Sum of Money
Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about what you need to know when you receive a windfall (inheritance, gift, high income year, etc). Questions answered: What do I need to know when I receive a large sum of money all at once? What should I be considering as I’m expecting a large sum of money? When is the best time to invest those funds? What other considerations may impact my overall financial strategy?Are you ready to start focusing on the things that truly matter when it comes to your financial future?LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayHave a question you want answered on a future episode? Submit it hereCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!

Feb 16, 2021 • 19min
How to Coordinate Portfolio Withdrawals with Social Security (And Other Income Sources)
Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about how to best coordinate portfolio withdrawals with Social Security (and other income sources).Questions answered: How can I best coordinate my portfolio withdrawals with when I intend on collecting Social Security? If I’m currently collecting Social Security, how much should I be withdrawing from my portfolio? How can I plan when to best withdraw funds from my portfolio based on my individual Social Security income options? How should my investments be allocated during retirement?Are you ready to start focusing on the things that truly matter when it comes to your financial future?LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayHave a question you want answered on a future episode? Submit it hereCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!

Feb 9, 2021 • 18min
4 Common Investment Mistakes to Avoid
Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about the 4 common investment mistakes to avoid.Questions to ask ourselves: How should my investments be allocated based on my different goals? What investment accounts are best for tax planning? Which investment accounts are best as I head in to retirement? Which investment accounts are best if I'm currently retired?How often should I be checking my account? What should I do when the market is going down? Are you ready to start focusing on the things that truly matter when it comes to your financial future?LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayHave a question you want answered on a future episode? Submit it hereCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!

Feb 2, 2021 • 12min
What's the Best Way to Save for a Short-Term Goal?
Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about understanding the best way to save for a short-term goal.Questions to ask ourselves: How soon will I need the funds for my short-term goal? How should I be invested when saving for a short-term goal, if I choose to invest at all? What types of investments are best for capital preservation? How do my investments change when investing for a short-term goal vs. medium and long-term goals?Are you ready to start focusing on the things that truly matter when it comes to your financial future?LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayHave a question you want answered on a future episode? Submit it hereCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!

Jan 26, 2021 • 17min
Understanding Social Security and How You Can Maximize Your Benefit
Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about understanding social security and what you can do to maximize your benefit.Questions discussed: When should I collect Social Security based on my age and work experience? How is Social Security calculated? What percentage of my income in retirement should be funded by Social Security? What are the pros and cons of collecting Social Security before and after full retirement age?Are you ready to start focusing on the things that truly matter when it comes to your financial future?LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayHave a question you want answered on a future episode? Submit it hereCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!

Jan 19, 2021 • 19min
5 Steps to Design the Optimal Portfolio
Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about the 5 steps to design the optimal portfolio.Questions to ask ourselves: Am I invested the right way? Am I owning the right types of investments for my goals? Where do I start when it comes to designing the optimal portfolio for my individual situation? Are you ready to start focusing on the things that truly matter when it comes to your financial future?LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayHave a question you want answered on a future episode? Submit it hereCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!

Jan 12, 2021 • 13min
Should I Just Own the S&P 500 Index?
Our topic on this episode of the Ready for Retirement podcast is about understanding if you should just own the S&P 500 in your portfolio.Questions to ask ourselves: Does the S&P 500 give proper diversification for my individual goals? Should I be allocated to stocks outside of the United States? Does the S&P 500 fit my risk tolerance? Should I hold the S&P 500 in both my taxable and non-taxable accounts?Are you ready to start focusing on the things that truly matter when it comes to your financial future?LET'S CONNECT!FacebookLinkedInWebsiteENJOY THE SHOW?Don't miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or Google PlayHave a question you want answered on a future episode? Submit it hereCreate Your Custom Strategy ⬇️ Get Started Here.Join the new Root Collective HERE!